Ford Freak
Well-known member
Hey guys! What's involved in converting from a single to a dual reservoir master cyl. on a '56 Fairlane?
1956 Fairlane dual reservoir MC conversion
- Thread starter Ford Freak
- Start date
For just a dual master get either a drum/drum or disc/drum dual master, combination/ prop valve and some new lines.
If you want power then check for a version of the master with the booster. Most use the little 8" booster.
It's been debunked that dual is safer than a single, that's if you are not running a combination valve. So don't do it to claim it's safer.
I have many miles on a single in a 57 wagon.
You can add power to a single.
I'm sure the "experts" will chime in.
But I have a few cars I'm running live with disc front/ drum rear power and a drum drum non power. Actuall most all combinations. And they all have their goods and bads.
If you want it to brake like a new car. That just not in the cards unless the whole car is redone.
If you want power then check for a version of the master with the booster. Most use the little 8" booster.
It's been debunked that dual is safer than a single, that's if you are not running a combination valve. So don't do it to claim it's safer.
I have many miles on a single in a 57 wagon.
You can add power to a single.
I'm sure the "experts" will chime in.
But I have a few cars I'm running live with disc front/ drum rear power and a drum drum non power. Actuall most all combinations. And they all have their goods and bads.
If you want it to brake like a new car. That just not in the cards unless the whole car is redone.
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Ford Freak
Well-known member
Manual. I eventually would like to convert to Manual w/Granada disc's. (I don't have the min. 18" of vacuum required to run a power booster)
miker98038
Well-known member
Seems to me the common one is an early mustag drum/drum or disc/drum. I think that’s what comes on the 55-57 bird brake kits, the disc/drum unit. But they bolt up. Double check the free play and rod length on whatever you use.
The 52-59 Ford social group on the HAMB will have all those answers.
The 52-59 Ford social group on the HAMB will have all those answers.
evintho
Senior Member
This would be the M/C to use from a '68 Mustang......https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...alast-brake-master-cylinder-nm1485/248424_0_0
Not sure about the bolt pattern, may have to drill another hole or two.
As far as brake lines, you can use your existing brake tee.....just plug the hole for the rear brakes. You'll need to fab a new rear brake line and also a short one from the M/C to the tee and a shorter one from the tee to the LF brake hose for the front brakes.
https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/562354/
I used it's sister M/C #1488 cuz I've got power brakes in my '54 but they're drums all the way around.
https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/562355/
Not sure about the bolt pattern, may have to drill another hole or two.
As far as brake lines, you can use your existing brake tee.....just plug the hole for the rear brakes. You'll need to fab a new rear brake line and also a short one from the M/C to the tee and a shorter one from the tee to the LF brake hose for the front brakes.
https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/562354/
I used it's sister M/C #1488 cuz I've got power brakes in my '54 but they're drums all the way around.
https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/562355/
Attachments
KULTULZ
Well-known member
If you just want DRUM/DRUM MANUAL, you will only need a DRUM/DRUM MC.
No valving, no changing of wheel cyl diameter(s). If you want a WARNING LIGHT on the instrument panel, you would also need a PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL VALVE.
You will need a 1967 to say 1973 DRUM/DRUM MC as it will (should have) RESIDUAL PRESSURE VALVES in both line outlets. If the MC (aftermarket) comes with no RPV's, you can add external RPV's or rebuild the wheel cylinders with cylinder kits having piston cup ex-panders.
Now if you later decide to go DISC/DRUM, you will need to change the MC and add additional valving.
Anything else, just ask.
OH! Forget the GRANADA SWAP other than for a coil spring over upper control arm design. Much better options out there.
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paul2748
Well-known member
The problem with the Granada/Versailles/Monarch swap is parts getting hard to find. I did the swap many years ago (80 Granada) on my 54 and I am very happy with it. It can be used on a stock 56 front end with no problems (54 and 56 used the same front ends for the most part). No power. Just get the right master cyl for a non power system if you are going that way. I used the combo valve off the 80 Granada. You have to enlarge the holes in the granada spindles (not so on the Versaille) to fit your tie rod ends
I don't agree that it can only be used on a front end with the coils above because I did it (some 20 years ago)
But I do agree that there are more modern options out there.
I don't agree that it can only be used on a front end with the coils above because I did it (some 20 years ago)
But I do agree that there are more modern options out there.
Ford Freak
Well-known member
Paul - my car had the Granada spindles, calipers, etc. already installed when I got it. The booster & master cyl. were shot. I may go non power & do away w/the power booster altogether. Do you remember specificallly what master cyl. you used for a non power disc/drum setup?
paul2748
Well-known member
Ford Freak
Well-known member
Thank you, & to everyone else who chimed in to help me on this.
Gene F
Well-known member
You bought that as a kit? Where? I have seen them at Summit, and I think the MFR LEEDS offers them too.
evintho
Senior Member
No, it's not a kit. Bought the M/C at AutoZone, 8" booster from Jegs and fabbed my own brakelines from NiCop. The 4 wheel drum brakes work perfectly!
1931fordslantvic
Junior Member
this will make it allot safer...